1998 Oldsmobile Alero vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Oldsmobile Alero would be higher. At 2,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Oldsmobile Alero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 80 kg more than 1998 Oldsmobile Alero.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Oldsmobile Alero.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Oldsmobile Alero | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alero | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2390 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2578 mm |
